Evaline:
I slept better that night than I had in days.
The knot in my chest from keeping the ’River’ secret was gone, and with Oscar’s arm heavy across my waist and Draven’s steady breath warming the back of my neck, I felt... safe. Anchored.
I didn’t wake until sunlight was already spilling across my bed. Both of them were still there, like they had no intention of letting me start the new year without them. I might have let them stay all morning if I didn’t know how stubborn they could be, but at nine, I gave them each a firm shove.
"Go," I ordered, trying not to laugh at their groggy protests. "Shower. Dress. I want breakfast before noon."
They finally left, dragging their feet like children told to clean their rooms.
It was the first day of the new year, which meant the countdown to reality had begun. I only had three more days before the Academy reopened on Monday. Friday, Saturday, Sunday - and the last two were already spoken for with my internship at the Council headquarters. That didn’t leave much time to just... be with my mates.
Which was exactly why all three of us were determined to make the most of it.
Once I was dressed, I found Oscar and Draven downstairs waiting for me. Kieran and River were absent just like I assumed - still out from the party last night. Knowing how these parties worked, they had either stayed at a hotel or found some pack member’s guest rooms to crash in.
Breakfast was warm, filling, and full of teasing remarks that had me rolling my eyes more than once.
Afterward, the boys drove me to Lakeshire Hospital for my prenatal checkup. We parked in the private underground garage, took the ’only staff’ elevator, and met with my gynecologist.
The appointment was smooth - baby’s heartbeat was strong, growth was perfect - and though neither of my mates said much, the way they both hovered told me everything I needed to know.
Despite my still flat belly, the doctor said everything was progressing normally and there was no need to worry. And truth be told, I was more than happy with my flat belly. Even though I knew it wasn’t going to last for long, I wanted to complete my first term at the Academy in peace.
As for after that... I didn’t want to think about it for the time being.
By the time we got back to the mansion, it was close to lunch. None of us were really hungry, so Oscar suggested a movie.
Without River and Kieran around, both of them had dropped even the pretense of keeping a "safe" amount of space between us. No kissing, sure, but Oscar’s arm resting across the back of the couch and Draven’s knee pressed to mine made enough of a statement. The staff at the mansion noticed... they definitely noticed... but no one said a word.
I didn’t ask them to stop. Not anymore.
River already knew, which meant the only real risk of scandal had passed. I wasn’t about to hold back the comfort of my mates for the sake of whispers.
It didn’t mean I was ready to scream my relationship status out loud for people to hear, but I was also no longer feeling the urge to hide my mate bonds.
We were maybe thirty minutes into the movie when the front doors opened and Jasper walked in, his one arm slung tightly around a very drunk River.
My back was half against Draven’s chest, and I immediately tried to sit up straight, but his hand on my hip kept me firmly in place. Oscar, who was looking completely unbothered, raised an eyebrow.
"Why’s he still drunk? It’s already past noon and the party has been over for hours."
If Jasper noticed the closeness between us, he didn’t react. His tone stayed casual. "There was a Council members gathering during lunch. He drank again. A lot. Add that to whatever he had last night and... well, here we are."
River’s head lolled slightly, but his eyes - heavy-lidded and glassy - locked on mine. And for a second, it was like he wasn’t drunk at all, like he was seeing me clearly.
Jasper shifted his grip. "I’ll get him to his room."
Oscar and Draven nodded but neither moved to help him. They probably were used to seeing their brother like this considering how many such gathering River attended on usual basis. But then, I also recalled learning that he never returned to the mansion whenever he’s this drunk. Which made me wonder why he returned today.
A few minutes later, Jasper reappeared, nodded to us, and left.
Two hours later, the movie ended, and we had tea and snacks in the sunlit living room. Then, predictably, my shadows followed me back to my bedroom. With Kieran still not back because he’s busy with some pack business, they seemed intent on using every moment of their newfound freedom.
It had been bright all day, but as evening approached, snow began to fall. The three of us were sitting cross-legged on the rug by the fireplace, assembling an elaborate 3D fantasy palace. Draven was in the middle of fussing over a tower wall when he suddenly looked up.
"We haven’t checked on River in hours."
Oscar was halfway to standing when he stopped, turned his head toward me, and smirked. "Actually... you should go check."
I blinked. "Why me? He’s your brother."
"Exactly," Draven said, already siding with Oscar. "Which is why you should show him some care considering we will be a family in future."
I gave them both a flat look. "Not happening."
Oscar’s eyes glinted. "Rock, paper, scissors for it."
"No," I said instantly.
"Scared you’ll lose?" Draven taunted.
I narrowed my eyes, but they were relentless. Teasing, nudging, even putting their hands right in front of me until my stubbornness cracked.
Five seconds later, I was glaring at them over my losing hand sign.
Draven grinned like the cat who had caught the canary. "Looks like it’s you."
I groaned, already regretting giving in.